Merwyn Bryant Sherwood

Merwyn Bryant Sherwood, 87, of Kirtland, New Mexico, passed away on April 2, 2026, at the home of his son, Jon, and daughter-in-law, Tamie Sherwood. He was born June 9, 1938, in St. Johns, Arizona, to Merwyn and Norma Sherwood. Bryant was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many callings, and his religion was very important to him. He and his first wife, Thelma, raised five children while living in Farmington, New Mexico. During that time, he worked as a traveling salesman for IKO Dry Goods Company. He also worked as an electrician for seven years for the City of Farmington. In addition, he took on janitorial work and did everything he could to provide for his growing family. In 1968, he moved his family to Kirtland, where he remained for the rest of his life. Thelma passed away in April 1990. She was an incredible wife and mother. They had been married for 33 years. Bryant later married Kathleen Palmer Schmaltz, who was a remarkable and very courageous woman. She was instantly loved by the entire Sherwood family. Bryant and Kathleen worked together for Fifth Generation Trading for several years and often took groups of children on trips to places such as Yellowstone National Park, The Grand Canyon, and many other locations while making deliveries. They later served a mission in the Orlando, Florida Mission for 18 months. In 2009, Bryant suffered a heart attack. Lance and Danene performed CPR until paramedics arrived. It took three shocks to revive him, and he spent two weeks in the Heart Hospital in Albuquerque. He truly was a survivor. He loved life and fought to the very end.

After 33 years of marriage to Kathleen, she passed away from cancer. This April marks three years since her passing. Bryant returned to his Heavenly home on April 2, 2026, to be reunited with his loved ones. He will be dearly missed. He was deeply involved in the lives of his family and touched many others with his kindness, often handing out Lifesavers. He was generous, loving, and kind, yet firm. He expected respect and was known for “yes sir” and “no sir.” He loved his family deeply. If you were related to him, he loved you—and even if you weren’t, he loved you anyway. He was thoughtful and charitable, especially to those in his RV park, always making sure they had what they needed no matter what the situation. He loved, and many loved him. He will be greatly missed.

He is Preceded in Death By: His first wife, Thelma Lee Sherwood, His second wife, Kathleen Palmer Schmaltz Sherwood, His parents, Merwyn and Norma Sherwood one brother, N. Dan Sherwood, two sisters, Brenda Lynn Eyring and Valerie Crum, One great-granddaughter, Kenzie Sherwood.

He is survived by Three sons: Jon (Tamie) Sherwood; Gregg (Terisha) Sherwood; Lance (Danene) Sherwood, two daughters Michelle (Jack) Manning; Stephenie (Bob) Bartlett, 21 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, and two stepchildren Nicolas (Denise) Schmaltz; Leila (Todd) Cahill. Plus 4 additional grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren

Services: Visitation (closed casket): April 25th, 9:30 – 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 473 Road 6100, Kirtland, New Mexico. Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial: Kirtland Cemetery, immediately following services.

Pallbearers are Stanton Sherwood, Landon Sherwood, Colter Manning, Charlton Manning, Logan Sherwood, Brandon Bartlett, Easton Sherwood, Lincoln Sherwood, Zane Haycock and Beckett Cahill.